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    HomeWhat We DoPrograms & Ceremonies
Lying in State or in Honor
The U.S. Capitol has been considered the most suitable place for the nation to pay final tribute to its most eminent citizens by having their remains lay in state (in the case of government officials and military officers) or in honor (in the case of private citizens).
        
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    John F. Kennedy lying in state November 24-25, 1963.

John F. Kennedy lying in state November 24-25, 1963.

No law, written rule, or regulation specifies who may lie in state; use of the U.S. Capitol Rotunda is controlled by concurrent action of the House and Senate. Any person who has rendered distinguished service to the nation may lie in state if the family so wishes and Congress approves. In the case of unknown soldiers, the president or the appropriate branch of the armed forces initiates the action. Since 1865, most services in the Rotunda have used the catafalque constructed for the coffin of Abraham Lincoln.

When the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is notified that a ceremony will occur, teams are coordinated across the Capitol campus and a commitment to excellence ensures that no detail is overlooked.

U.S. Capitol Lying in State Time Lapse

Those Who Have Lain in State or in Honor in the U.S. Capitol

The prominent individuals who have been so honored are listed below. These figures have lain in state, or in honor, in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda unless otherwise specified (*indicated by an asterisk **). In addition to the Rotunda, other areas such as National Statuary Hall, the Old Supreme Court Chamber, the entrance to the House Chamber and the East Central Front Portico have been used for those who have lain in state or in honor.

Download the list below as a PDF.

Name
			Date(s)
			NotesHershel W. "Woody" Williams
			July 14, 2022
			Following a congressional tribute in the Rotunda. Last living World War II Medal of Honor recipient. Died June 29, 2022 in Huntington, West Virginia. Authority for the use of the Rotunda granted by Senate Concurrent Resolution 42, 117th Congress, 2nd Session, agreed to July 13, 2022.

			Lay in honor; did not use catafalque.Donald E. Young*
			March 29, 2022
			Following a congressional tribute. Member of the House of Representatives from Alaska, March 6, 1973 until his death on March 18, 2022.

			* Services were conducted in National Statuary Hall.Harry M. Reid
			January 12, 2022
			Following a congressional tribute in the Rotunda. Member of the House of Representatives from Nevada, January 3, 1983 to January 3, 1987. U.S. Senator from Nevada, January 3, 1987 to January 3, 2017. Died December 28, 2021 in Henderson, Nevada. Authority for use of the Rotunda granted by Senate Concurrent Resolution 25, 117th Congress, 2nd Session, agreed to January 10, 2022.Robert J. Dole
			December 9, 2021
			Following a congressional tribute in the Rotunda. Member of the House of Representatives from Kansas, January 3, 1961, to January 3, 1969. U.S. Senator from Kansas, January 3, 1969, to June 11, 1996. Died December 5, 2021 in Washington, D.C. Authority for use of the Rotunda granted by Senate Concurrent Resolution 23, 117th Congress, 1st Session, agreed to December 8, 2021.William F. Evans
			April 13, 2021
			Following a congressional tribute in the Rotunda. U.S. Capitol Police officer killed at the U.S. Capitol in the line of duty on April 2, 2021. Authority for use of the Rotunda granted by House Concurrent Resolution 27, 117th Congress, 1st Session, agreed to April 12, 2021.

			Lay in honor.Brian D. Sicknick
			February 2-3, 2021
			Before and following a memorial ceremony in the Rotunda. U.S. Capitol Police officer injured at the U.S. Capitol in the line of duty on January 6, 2021. He succumbed to his injuries on January 7, 2021. Authority for use of the Rotunda granted by House Concurrent Resolution 10, 117th Congress, 1st Session, agreed to February 1, 2021.

			Lay in honor; urn with remains placed next to a U.S. flag on a pedestal; did not use catafalque.Ruth Bader Ginsburg*
			September 25, 2020
			Associate justice of the Supreme Court from August 10, 1993 until her death on September 18, 2020, in Washington, D.C. Authority for use of the Lincoln catafalque for memorial services to be conducted in the Supreme Court Building and the Capitol granted by Senate Concurrent Resolution 45, 116th Congress, 2nd Session, agreed to September 21, 2020.

			* Services held in the U.S. Capitol Building were conducted in National Statuary Hall.John R. Lewis
			July 27–28, 2020
			Following a memorial ceremony in the Rotunda. Member of the House of Representatives from Georgia, January 3, 1987, until his death July 17, 2020, in Atlanta, Georgia. Authority for use of the Rotunda granted by House Concurrent Resolution 105, 116th Congress, 2nd Session, agreed to July 27, 2020.

			A public viewing was also held on the East Central Front Portico.Elijah Cummings*
			October 24, 2019
			Member of the House of Representatives from Maryland, April 16, 1996, until his death on October 17, 2019, in Baltimore, Maryland. Authority for use of the Lincoln catafalque for memorial services to be conducted in the House wing of the U.S. Capitol, granted by Senate Concurrent Resolution 27, 116 Congress, 1st session, agreed to October 21, 2019.

			* Services were conducted in National Statuary Hall. A public viewing was also held at the entrance to the House Chamber.George H.W. Bush
			December 3–5, 2018
			Following a memorial ceremony in the Rotunda. Member of the House of Representatives from Texas, January 3, 1967, to January 3, 1971; United States ambassador to the United Nations, 1971–1973; chief United States liaison officer, People’s Republic of China, 1974–1976; director, Central Intelligence Agency, 1976–1977; vice president of the United States from January 20, 1981, to January 20, 1989; president of the United States from January 20, 1989, to January 20, 1993. Died November 30, 2018, in Houston, Texas. Authority for use of the Rotunda granted by Senate Concurrent Resolution 55, 115th Congress, 2nd Session, agreed to December 3, 2018.John S. McCain III
			August 31, 2018
			Following a memorial service in the Rotunda. Member of the House of Representatives from Arizona, January 3, 1983, to January 3, 1987. U.S. Senator from Arizona, January 3, 1987, to his death. Died August 25, 2018, in Sedona, Arizona. Authority for use of the Rotunda granted by Senate Concurrent Resolution 44, 115th Congress, 2nd Session, agreed to August 28, 2018.Billy Graham
			February 28–March 1, 2018
			Following a memorial service in the Rotunda. Minister, evangelist and adviser to presidents. Died February 21, 2018, in Montreat, North Carolina. Authority for use of the Rotunda granted by House Concurrent Resolution 107, 115th Congress, 2nd Session, agreed to February 26, 2018.

			Lay in honor; did not use catafalque.Daniel K. Inouye
			December 20, 2012
			Member of the House of Representatives from Hawaii, August 21, 1959, to January 3, 1963. U.S. Senator from Hawaii, January 3, 1963, to his death. Died December 17, 2012, in Bethesda, Maryland. Authority for use of the Rotunda granted by Senate Concurrent Resolution 64, 112th Congress, 2nd Session, agreed to December 19, 2012.Gerald R. Ford Jr.
			December 30, 2006–January 2, 2007
			Member of the House of Representatives from Michigan, January 3, 1949, to December 6, 1973, when he resigned to become vice president. Vice president from December 6, 1973, to August 9, 1974, when President Richard M. Nixon resigned. President of the United States from August 9, 1974, to January 20, 1977. Died December 26, 2006, in Rancho Mirage, California, after adjournment of the 109th Congress, 2nd session. Authority for use of the Rotunda granted by the speaker of the House of Representatives and the majority leader of the Senate. No resolution.Rosa Parks
			October 30–31, 2005
			Civil rights pioneer. Died October 24, 2005, in Detroit, Michigan. Authority for use of the Rotunda granted by Senate Concurrent Resolution 61, 109th Congress, 1st Session, agreed to October 29, 2005.

			Lay in honor; did not use catafalque.Ronald W. Reagan
			June 9–11, 2004
			Following memorial service in the Rotunda. Governor of California from 1967 to 1975. President of the United States from January 20, 1981, to January 20, 1989. Died June 5, 2004, in Bel Air, California. Authority for use of the Rotunda granted by Senate Concurrent Resolution 115, 108th Congress, 2nd Session, agreed to June 9, 2004.Jacob J. Chestnut and John M. Gibson
			July 28, 1998
			Before and following a memorial ceremony in the Rotunda. U.S. Capitol Police officers killed at the U.S. Capitol in the line of duty on July 24, 1998. Authority for use of the Rotunda granted by House Concurrent Resolution 310, 105th Congress, 2nd Session, agreed to July 27, 1998.

			Lay in honor; did not use catafalque.Claude D. Pepper
			June 1–2, 1989
			Following a memorial ceremony in the Rotunda. U.S. Senator from Florida November 4, 1936, to January 3, 1951. Member of the House of Representatives from Florida, January 3, 1963, until his death May 30, 1989, in Washington, D.C. Authority for use of the Rotunda granted by House Concurrent Resolution 139, 101st Congress, 1st Session, agreed to May 31, 1989.Unknown Soldier of the Vietnam Conflict
			May 25–28, 1984
			Chosen to honor the unknown Americans who lost their lives while serving in the Armed Forces of the United States in Southeast Asia during 1959–1972. Authority for use of the Rotunda granted by House Concurrent Resolution 296, 98th Congress, 2nd Session, agreed to May 17, 1984.Hubert H. Humphrey
			January 14–15, 1978
			Before a memorial service in the Rotunda. U.S. Senator from Minnesota, January 3, 1949, to December 29, 1964, when he resigned to become vice president. Vice president from January 20, 1965, to January 20, 1969. Returned to the Senate from November 3, 1970, until his death. Died January 14, 1978, in Waverly, Minnesota, after adjournment of the 95th Congress, 1st Session. Authority for use of the Rotunda granted by the speaker of the House of Representatives and the majority leader of the Senate. No resolution.Lyndon B. Johnson
			January 24–25, 1973
			Following a memorial service in the Rotunda. Member of the House of Representatives from Texas, April 10, 1937, to January 3, 1949. U.S. Senator from Texas January 3, 1949, to January 3, 1961, when he resigned, having been elected vice president. Vice president from January 20, 1961, to November 22, 1963, when he assumed the presidency. President of the United States from November 22, 1963, to January 20, 1969. Died January 22, 1973, near Johnson City, Texas. Authority for use of the Rotunda granted by House Concurrent Resolution 90, 93rd Congress, 1st Session, agreed to January 23, 1973.J. Edgar Hoover
			May 3–4, 1972
			Following a memorial service in the Rotunda. First director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, 1924 until his death. Died May 2, 1972, in Washington, D.C. Authority for use of the Rotunda granted by House Concurrent Resolution 600, 92nd Congress, 2nd Session, agreed to May 2, 1972.Everett M. Dirksen
			September 9–10, 1969
			Following a memorial service in the Rotunda. Member of the House of Representatives from Illinois, March 4, 1933 to January 3, 1949. U.S. Senator from Illinois, January 3, 1951, until his death. Died September 7, 1969, in Washington, D.C. Senate Resolution 254, 91st Congress, 1st Session, agreed to September 8, 1969, extended invitations to memorial service in the Rotunda, September 9, 1969.Dwight D. Eisenhower
			March 30–31, 1969
			Graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1915, promoted to general of the Army in 1944, and named president of Columbia University in 1948. President of the United States from January 20, 1953, to January 20, 1961. Died March 28, 1969, in Washington, D.C., during the 91st Congress, 1st Session. No resolution.Herbert C. Hoover
			October 23–25, 1964
			Secretary of commerce for Presidents Harding and Coolidge. Food administrator under President Wilson. Chairman of Commission on the Organization of Executive Branch of Government in 1947–1949 and 1953–1955. President of the United States from March 4, 1929, to March 3, 1933. Died October 20, 1964, in New York City, after adjournment of the 88th Congress, 2nd Session. No resolution.Douglas MacArthur
			April 8–9, 1964
			Superintendent of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point 1919–1922; appointed chief of staff of the Army, November 21, 1930; appointed general of the Army, December 18, 1944. Served in the Pacific and Far East in various allied commands from July 26, 1941, through April 11, 1951. Died April 5, 1964, in Washington, D.C. Authority for use of the Rotunda granted by Senate Concurrent Resolution 74, 88th Congress, 2nd Session, agreed to April 6, 1964.John F. Kennedy
			November 24–25, 1963
			Following a memorial service in the Rotunda. Member of the House of Representatives from Massachusetts, January 3, 1947, to January 3, 1953. U.S. Senator from Massachusetts, January 3, 1953, to December 22, 1960, when he resigned to become president. President of the United States from January 20, 1961, until his death. Assassinated in Dallas, Texas, on November 22, 1963, during the 88th Congress, 1st Session. No resolution.Unknown Soldiers of World War II and the
			Korean War
			May 28–30, 1958
			Chosen to honor and perpetuate the memory of the heroes who gave their lives while serving overseas in the U.S. armed forces during World War II and the Korean War, and whose identities were unknown. Authority for use of the Rotunda granted by House Concurrent Resolution 242, 85th Congress, 2nd Session, agreed to March 6, 1958.Robert A. Taft
			August 2–3, 1953
			Before a memorial service in the Rotunda. U.S. Senator from Ohio, January 3, 1939, until his death. Died July 31, 1953, in New York City, during 83rd Congress, 1st Session, Senate Resolution 158, 83rd Congress, 1st Session, agreed to August 1, 1953, extended invitation to the memorial service in the Rotunda, August 3, 1953.John J. Pershing
			July 18–19, 1948
			General of the Armies of the United States. Graduated from U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1886 and devoted his entire life to military service. Chief of staff of the Army 1921–1924; Commander of the American Expeditionary Forces, World War I; distinguished service during the Philippine insurrection and the Spanish-American War. Died July 15, 1948, in Washington, D.C., during recess of the 80th Congress, 2nd Session. No resolution.William H. Taft
			March 11, 1930
			President of the United States March 4, 1909, to March 4, 1913. Chief justice of the United States, July 11, 1921, to February 3, 1930. Died March 8, 1930, in Washington, D.C., during 71st Congress, 2nd Session. No resolution.Warren G. Harding
			August 8, 1923
			Following a memorial service in the Rotunda. U.S. Senator from Ohio, March 4, 1915, to January 13, 1921, when he resigned, having been elected president. President of the United States March 4, 1921, until his death. Died August 2, 1923, in San Francisco, California, after adjournment of the 67th Congress, 4th Session. No resolution.Unknown Soldier of World War I
			November 9–11, 1921
			Chosen to honor and perpetuate the memory of the heroes who gave their lives in World War I. The body was that of an unknown American who served as a member of the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe. Congress was in session, 67th Congress, 1st Session. No resolution.George Dewey
			January 20, 1917
			During a memorial service in the Rotunda. Admiral of the Navy and hero of Manila Bay in the Spanish-American War. Died January 16, 1917, in Washington, D.C. Authority for use of the Rotunda granted by House Concurrent Resolution 68, 64th Congress, 2nd Session, agreed to January 18, 1917.Pierre Charles L’Enfant
			(Re-interment) April 28,
			1909
			Before a memorial service in the Rotunda. Planner of the city of Washington, D.C. Died June 14, 1825, and was buried on Digges farm, Prince George’s County, Maryland. Remains were brought to the U.S. Capitol, April 28, 1909, to be re-interred in Arlington National Cemetery. Authority for use of the Rotunda was granted by Senate Concurrent Resolution 2, 61st Congress, 1st Session, agreed to March 26, 1909.William McKinley Jr.
			September 17, 1901
			Following a memorial service in the Rotunda. Member of the House of Representatives from Ohio, March 4, 1877, to May 27, 1884, and again from March 4, 1885, to March 3, 1891. Governor of Ohio from 1892 to 1896. President of United States, March 4, 1897, until his death. Assassinated September 6, 1901, in Buffalo, New York, and died there September 14, 1901, after adjournment of the 56th Congress, 2nd Session. No resolution.John A. Logan
			December 30–31, 1886
			Before a memorial service in the Senate Chamber. Member of the House of Representatives from Illinois, March 4, 1859, to April 2, 1862, when he resigned to enter the Union Army, and again from March 4, 1867, until March 3, 1871. U.S. Senator from Illinois, March 4, 1871, to March 3, 1877, and again from March 4, 1879, to December 26, 1886. Died December 26, 1886, in Washington, D.C., during the 49th Congress, 2nd Session. No resolution.James A. Garfield
			September 21–23, 1881
			Before a memorial service in the Rotunda. President of the United States from March 4, 1881, until his death. Member of the House of Representatives from Ohio, March 4, 1863, to November 8, 1880, when he resigned, having been elected president. Assassinated July 2, 1881, in Washington, D.C., and died September 19, 1881, in Elberon, New Jersey, after adjournment of 46th Congress, 3rd Session. No resolution.Henry Wilson
			November 25–26, 1875
			Before a memorial service in the Senate Chamber. U.S. Senator from Massachusetts, January 31, 1855, to March 3, 1873, when he resigned to become vice president. Vice president of United States from March 4, 1873, until his death. Died November 22, 1875, in the vice president’s room in the U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C., after adjournment of the 43rd Congress, 2nd Session. No resolution.Charles Sumner
			March 13, 1874
			Before a memorial service in the Senate Chamber. U.S. Senator from Massachusetts, April 24, 1851, until his death, March 11, 1874, in Washington, D.C. during the 43d Congress, 1st Session. No resolution.Salmon P. Chase*
			May 11, 1873
			Chief justice of the United States from 1864 until his death in 1873.

			* Services held in the U.S. Capitol Building were conducted in the Old Supreme Court Chamber.Thaddeus Stevens
			August 13–14, 1868
			Before a memorial service in the Rotunda. Member of the House of Representatives from Pennsylvania, March 4, 1849, to March 3, 1853, and again from March 4, 1859, until his death August 11, 1868, in Washington, D.C., during recess of the 40th Congress, 2nd Session. No resolution.Abraham Lincoln
			April 19–21, 1865
			Member of the House of Representatives from Illinois, March 4, 1847, to March 3, 1849. President of the United States from March 4, 1861, until his death. Assassinated April 14, 1865, in Washington, D.C, and died there April 15, 1865, after adjournment of the 38th Congress, 2nd Session. No resolution.Henry Clay
			July 1, 1852
			Following a memorial service in the Senate Chamber (S-228). Member of the House of Representatives from Kentucky for five nonconsecutive terms (1811–1825). Served as speaker in 1811–1814, 1815–1820, and 1823–1825. Secretary of state from 1825 to 1829. U.S. Senator from Kentucky intermittently for 18 years between 1806 and 1852. Died June 29, 1852, in Washington, D.C. during the 32nd Congress, 1st Session. No resolution.
          
    
    
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